Chapter 23: Akira, a Mascot

Astraea raised a hand, gently stopping the two from approaching further. Her serene gaze shifted to Akira, eyes soft yet firm. "You still have something else to show us, don't you?" Akira gave a small nod, wordlessly shifting into his [Swift Master] state. A soft breeze curled around him, dancing through the air like an invisible spirit. His hair faded back to its original hue, and his expression sharpened. Confidence radiated from his eyes, and a smug, playful smile tugged at the corners of his lips. The transformation was astonishing—like watching a different person emerge from thin air. "Hahaha, how about it? Handsome, right?" Akira said cheekily, striking the familiar narcissistic pose that Alise often made. Lyra burst into laughter, nearly falling over. "Pfft—Alise, Akira in this form would totally vibe with you!" The others chuckled as well. Alise could only shrug helplessly, palms up, caught between pride and exasperation. Realizing how cringe his current state might be, Akira coughed awkwardly and promptly shifted again. This time, long, flowing hair cascaded over his shoulders like a river. Proud scarlet eyes gleamed with cool authority, and his figure stood just a little taller than Alise's. Even in casual clothes, an air of elegance and unapproachable nobility clung to him like a second skin. Akira sank lazily into a chair, arms draped across the armrests, and said with nonchalance, "This is the form required to activate [Blood Magic]—the one you were all so worried about." "Relax. I haven't turned into a bloodthirsty monster. I don't crave blood or anything like that. It's just... my personality gets slightly altered. If I become stronger, that side effect should vanish." "That's good to hear." Kaguya replied softly. "As long as you feel it's under control." But Akira could sense their doubt. Even now, their eyes betrayed hesitation, their stiffened postures a silent admission of unease. He sighed quietly. Without warning, Akira stood up and walked over to Alise. "Eh? Akira, what's wrong?" Alise blinked in surprise, a hint of nervousness slipping into her voice. Akira reached out and gave her a gentle hug. Then, without missing a beat, he did the same with Kaguya, Lyra, and Ryuu—one after another, brief but sincere. Finally, he strolled over to where Astraea sat on the sofa, and, with a casual plop, laid down across her lap like a child seeking comfort. "Don't worry. It won't end the way you're afraid of. This is my power. I can control it." The four girls looked at each other, then to Astraea. Astraea smiled, a look of warm contentment on her face. "See? I told you I wasn't lying." Only then did the lingering tension finally melt from their shoulders. "Say, how long can you maintain these forms?" Kaguya asked curiously. "I can stay in them indefinitely—until I feel like switching again." Akira replied with ease. "Can we let the others know?" "Of course." Alise instantly lit up and pulled Akira to her. "Then let's show everyone! That way, they'll know what to expect if you suddenly transform again." Lyra clapped her hands and said, "Since everyone's accepted Akira already, why not make it fun? Let's throw a pajama party in the lobby!" "Brilliant!" Alise grinned. "Ryuu, go round up the girls!" "On it!" Ryuu nodded and dashed off toward the dormitory with surprising speed. Kaguya turned to Astraea amd asked, "Astraea-sama, you'll come too, right?" Astraea replied, "Of course. I wouldn't miss this wonderful moment with all of you." — — — The morning sun filtered gently through the curtains. Akira lay sprawled across his bed, eyes half-lidded, staring blankly at the door. He had zero intention of venturing into the dungeon today. No reason to rush, not after last night. Regret settled heavily in his stomach like a stone. Why... why did he agree to let the other members know about his transformations? Last night, a group of normally quiet and reserved girls had gathered around him with frightening enthusiasm. Touching. Stroking. Poking. Experimenting. He thought he was a wolf among a horde of sheep. But it turns out he was the sheep that wandered into a den of wolves. They had him acting out ridiculous scenarios in all his forms, pulling him into every sort of compromising situation their imaginations could conjure. He'd switched back to his original form, thinking it would calm them down. But contrary to his expectations, it only made things worse. What the hell was that madness? They asked the Glacial Master, "Hey Akira, can I use you as my pillow when it's hot? You look chilly." They looked at the Blood Mage, wide-eyed with glee, and added, "C'mon, Little Akira, give us a proud glare and say something tsundere! Try it!" Even with the influence of his transformations, Akira's original personality was on the verge of breaking down. It felt like he had become everyone's toy—lower in status than even Ryuu. Have I really become the mascot of the Familia? Akira groaned into his pillow. "I was toyed with all night... I can already feel the trouble piling up." Still, he consoled himself, 'At least I'm building good relationships... right?' Dragging himself out of bed, Akira washed up and opened the door, heading toward the kitchen, hoping for a moment of normalcy—perhaps even something warm to eat. As he entered, his eyes saw Astraea, Kaguya, and Maryuu. They were busy preparing breakfast, though Maryuu looked like she was on the verge of breaking something with every move. "Morning." Akira said, trying to sound casual, pretending last night had never happened. Kaguya, without turning around, snickered, "Oh? Isn't this our second mascot? You're up early. Going adventuring?" Akira sighed, already feeling a headache, "Nope. I figured I've been too unlucky lately, so I'm taking a break. Instead of risking it in the dungeon, I'll patrol the city with everyone." Kaguya glanced over and nodded. "That makes sense. With your current strength, you've got nothing to fear from average Level 3s. It's good for you to experience Orario outside the dungeon too." Astraea, taking a dish from Kaguya, added, "Kaguya, take Akira to the clothing store later. He needs more casual wear. Also, help him pick out a custom outfit." Akira stared blankly amd asked, "Eh? Astraea-sama, why is there a need for that? Can I... go alone?" Astraea firmly said, "Denied." "Nope." Kaguya echoed flatly. Akira sighed, 'I really have become a dress-up doll now...' "I wanna come too! I wanna shop with Akira!" Maryuu's eyes sparkled with envy. "You just want to watch me suffer, don't you?' Suddenly, two hands covered Akira's eyes from behind, and a mischievous voice rang out. "Guess who~?" Akira didn't even flinch and said, "It's Alise, isn't it?" "Ehhh?! How'd you guess it so fast?! I haven't even done this with you before!" Alise's shocked voice came from behind him. "Only you would pull this stunt. You've got this passionate energy—it's obvious the moment you touch someone." Akira replied dryly. (End of Chapter) Read 40 Advanced Chapters on [email protected]/astralicity